“Empty Iridescent Spheres. Notes on the Metaphysics of Light in Indian and Tibetan Buddhist Tantric Sources”

During the 11th and 12th centuries, a new esoteric religious literature emerged in Tibet, marking a significant evolution in yogic practices and philosophical ideas that centered on light as an essential principle. Within these traditions, an innovative model of visionary yoga began to take shape. Over time, a metaphysics of light developed, profoundly influencing yogic theory and praxis. This study undertakes a comparative analysis to illuminate the religious dialogue that arose during the early Renaissance period in Tibet. While direct influences and interactions between Kālacakra yogins, early Rnying ma exponents, and later Bon Rdzogs chen authors remain challenging to trace, evidence suggests a dynamic exchange of ideas, lexicon, yoga techniques, and interpretations. These interactions indicate a fluid and intense intellectual and spiritual engagement, which created intricate networks of influence during a formative period in Tibetan history, preceding the later consolidation and organization of monastic systems.